Yard Sale Success

Ellie missed the memo on Saturday that we generally enjoy sleeping in on the weekends. Instead, she helped us start our morning at the crack of dawn by waking up at 6:45. At breakfast Jon read me his long list of outdoor chores he had planned for the day and I shared that Ellie and I would be going to a local yard sale or two.
First on Jon's list was to switch out his winter sweaters for his summer shorts. The poor man made it up to the third step of the attic when he realized that the yard work could wait: something had to be done about the mess upstairs. As he started tossing some of my innumerable empty boxes down the steps for trash, I grabbed Ellie and yelled "Adios!"
I had researched a few yard sales in Birdsboro and Exeter but didn't know how long Ellie would last. Our first stop was five miles away towards the center of Birdsboro and we hit a jackpot. I picked up two riding toys, one dump truck, and a musical steering wheel toy all for $5.00. I also had my eye on a big mirror for over our fireplace but I wanted to measure our space a second time because it was too close to the size of the area I had written down. The Exeter yard sales were at least fifteen minutes away and Ellie was starting to rub her eyes so we headed home.

Breaking in the new loot.

I put Ellie to bed and checked on Jon's status. While I was away Jon had decided to cut up the ping pong table (we had received it for free and had hardly used it -- not using it once in the past two years) and started making shelving in the attic out of the compressed wood. He was busy so I kept out of his way and cleaned up the kitchen, collapsed boxes, made baby food, and prepared lunch. When Ellie woke up we went outside and hung out in the sun (well Ellie was in the shade) while I did my Precepts homework. After lunch Ellie and I hung out some more while Jon continued in the attic then I mowed the lawn during Ellie's second nap.
Mom stopped by at 4:15 to pick up my Dessert Rose china for the Mom's Together breakfast. Jon was finishing up the attic and putting away his tools while I prepared some bruschetta.
Dan and Amanda invited us and the other brothers and their families over for dinner. Ben and Jess couldn't make it but Peter and Brittany joined us and a family that is friends with Dan and Amanda. We had hot dogs, chips and fresh salsa (made by Brittany), mac and cheese (made by Amanda), and my bruschetta. The weather was beautiful so we ate outside on the deck then sat around a fire in their fire pit. Cecelia, Amanda's youngest, is almost exactly a year older than Ellie. Whenever she was close to Ellie should would reach her hands in the air and motion with her hands that she wanted to hold Ellie. It was pretty funny!

Sitting on Cece's lap on Aunt Brittany's lap

Everyone started to leave around 9:00 so we also headed out. It was fun to spend some time with Dan and Amanda and their family since we do not see them very often.

SUNDAY morning we did not have to be at church until first service began at 9:00. Ellie has not been sleeping very well so Jon let me sleep in until 7:15 but woke me up knowing that I needed over an hour to get to church on time. I just move so slowly in the morning. We went to first service and then had second hour Sunday School. I was scheduled to sit as the hall monitor but Dad graciously took my spot so that I could go to the parenting class.
After church the Vines & Branches Sunday School class was having a lunch at the Rus' in Morgantown. Since I had slept in we had to run home so I could make some rice to take to the taco-themed lunch. We made the rice and arrived before it was time to eat. Ellie had slept while we drove and cooked so she was fresh and ready to socialize. Someone held her while I ate and afterwards, which was nice. I took her when she started getting testy and changed her diaper. Sometimes she just needs some time away from people to regain her generally happy demeanor.
After lunch Jon went and played soccer and I took Ellie to Mimi and Pop's house for a nap. I also laid down in the room where she slept until Jon was finished playing. He showered and then we hung out in the basement where Pop's joined us and we all watched some golf.
We went to prayer meeting and afterwards Jere Scott Bradshaw (our new pastor) came over for dinner. Jere Scott's wife is away visiting her family so we asked him to come sometime for dinner. I had bought some pork ribs and sweet potatoes and Kelly and left a green salad leftover from Friday night that I used. Jon grilled the pork and I made sweet potato fries in the oven and Jere Scott ate and hung around until 9:30. Jon and I caught up on emails and cleaned up the kitchen before heading to bed. It had been a fairly long day.

Ellieisms:
Ellie growls when she is frustrated. Or screeches. We prefer the growls.

Our Puppy Dog

Thursday morning Ellie and I hung around the house and I gave her a bath before her nap. Recently I have been hearing that BBs has offered fruit and vegetables at low prices so we went up to check out what they had to offer after Ellie woke up. One downer about discount food stores is it is hit or miss - I never know if it will be a good day or a bad day. I stocked up on Turkey Hill iced tea, Gatorade, sweet potatoes, and limes. Sweet Potatoes were $0.10 a pound so I grabbed six knowing that if we didn't eat them I could make baby food for Ellie. While we were loading the car the Mom and one of the daughters from Dunkin Donuts walked by and saw me. They waved and came over and held Ellie and Momma Dunkin kept saying that Ellie looks like Corinne ("She look like you sista. You younga sista."). Proof that we went to Dunkin Donuts way too often.
Ellie went down for her second nap and I changed the sheets and picked up before my piano lesson from 3:00-3:30. Immediately following the lesson Ellie and I went up to High Point to watch the last home game for the middle school girls' soccer team. Alyssa Gibson is on the team along with several other girls I taught music to. They are undefeated and they played another undefeated team, Salem Bible (where we have DeWalt family reunions). I had to leave before the game ended, though, because Jon and I had a night out with our small group.
Kelly graciously agreed to watch Ellie during our small group outing and it worked out that Jon dropped me and Ellie off while he went and picked up Paul who was carpooling with us. I thought I'd nurse Ellie before I left but she was not interested in me at all. When Clark is in the room Ellie watches him like a hawk. Fortunately she hasn't had separation anxiety so leaving her places is uneventful and drama-free.
Our small group consists of five couples: DiAddezios, Culberts (Dave & Joie), Rus', Estes', and us. We went out to a restaurant in Leola that has happy hour until six o'clock and ordered drinks and appetizers. We shared our appetizers and had plenty of food to go around, even having leftovers. Following dinner we went to Brock & Nebin's house for dessert and coffee. We hung around until 9:15 and headed out and picked up Ellie.
I felt bad for Kelly because Ellie gave her trouble. I have realized that Ellie has gotten more difficult with going to sleep but she really gave Kelly a hard time. Thank you, Kelly, for dealing with her!

Friday morning Ellie woke up at 6:30 so I nursed her and she slept for another hour. Jon said when he went to shower she was just hanging out in her crib and she saw him and just "kept about her business,"as Jon recounts. She started hollering when he was still in the bathroom so I brought her into the bed with me and then the three of us just hung out for a while until Jon had to head to work. Ellie loves hanging out on the bed and she just wiggles and rolls around chatting to herself.
Since Ellie woke up at 7:30 she was due for a nap as my class at the gym would start. I decided to try to put her down instead of going to the gym but she was just talking and then starting complaining so we went to the gym. I arrived close to a half hour late but I'm glad that I went. Some exercise is better than none! Plus, the instructor had me demonstrate "the perfect lunge" for the class because apparently I had impressed her on Monday.
On our way home I kept Ellie awake as she fought sleep the last few minutes. She went down for a nap and I did laundry and cleaned the house. Her nap lasted for a little over two and a half hours, which was wonderful. We went to Reading and hit up the Fairground Market and Redner's for a quick grocery stop. While we were at the market Ellie was infatuated by the hustle and bustle of everything. Several people stopped to talk to her and a few mentioned how well she sat up. Ellie even smiled at a few people as we maneuvered through the crowd.
We arrived home and did a couple loads of laundry, cleaned the kitchen, washed the floors, and started prepping the food for our guests: the Fentons. Ellie must have known I had stuff to do because she did not want to go to sleep. She finally fell asleep but slept for only twenty minutes. For dinner I made hamburgers (Jon grilled them) and sweet potato fries. Kelly brought salad and dessert. Clark was a gem while Ellie was a stinker, fussing and carrying on through dinner. I tried to put her to bed but she cried in protest for a while. Finally I relented and she hung out nicely until the Fentons left at 8:45.
It took a while to settle Ellie down which was convenient because Jon did the dishes while I wrestled with the baby. Having a clean kitchen when I wake up is always so wonderful! I have since researched some yard sales that I might try to hit up tomorrow morning if I feel adventurous.

Ellieisms:
Ellie frequently just sits there with her tongue hanging out. Jon and I call her our puppy dog.

Puppy dog 

Watching the cashier at BBs.

A New Playhouse

Tuesday morning Ellie and I hung around the house up to no good. I made some mashed potatoes for dinner and prepped for a roast. After lunch we went to teach in Elverson. Ellie hung out with Aunt Carol while I taught Brooke's piano lesson. She woke up right as we needed to leave so she was very happy for Aunt Carol, which was wonderful. Ellie then had the privilege of hanging out with Grandpa and Grandma while I went and taught at the Kane's. They said she did not give them any trouble. When I came back to pick her up they were sitting on the floor chatting with her.
Early in the morning Nana and Pop-pop had a new playhouse that we have been anticipating for a few weeks now. In order to sneak a peak I invited us over for dinner. Jon had already asked to go over to watch a soccer game so I asked if we could all come and I bring dinner. So when I came back from the lessons I prepared the roast while Jon watched Ellie and chopped wood. We were off again to Elverson by six fifteen. We arrived and walked up to see the playhouse before dark.
Ellie went down for bed after dinner and we all watched Barcelona play Munich. Munich won 3-0 or something devastating to Jon. Viva Barcelona.

Inside

Listening to Uncle Pete 

Watching the game

Uncle Pete is scary sometimes (he smiled at her)

Snoozing

Ellie's become quite the eater!

Wednesday morning I had Precepts. Jon said he heard Ellie when he came home from running and she was lounging in her crib. After his shower he took her and hung out in the kitchen until he had to leave for work. I took over and fed her before we went to Precepts.
Ellie did not nap at all during study and fell asleep on the way home. She took a nice nap lasting over two hours in her crib (she had slept probably twenty in the car since I stopped to fuel up). Ellie woke up with enough time to eat before my afternoon piano lesson. Then I prepared dinner - chili and cornbread - and Jon and I ate when he came home before Dr. Kane's lesson. Jon left for prayer group at 6:30 and Ellie fought sleep until 8:30. She has a cough which I believe prevents her from sleeping very well. It actually just woke the poor soul up. It may be a long night.

I said if she stayed happy she could stay up.

Teeth

Sunday morning Jon wore his new sports coat since he was serving communion. I dropped Ellie off at nursery and we went to first service worship. Second service we had Sunday School which Dad led on parenting. I tried to put Ellie to sleep between services but she wasn't interested. The nursery workers said she took a quick nap before church ended.
Following church we went to Nana and Pop-pop's house and I put Ellie down for a nap. Jon hung around and ate lunch then checked out Ryan Estes' fireplace insert. Meanwhile I went to Marianne's surprise bridal shower at the Community Center. It was a lovely event with delicious food and pretty decorations. Marianne seems set for getting married after receiving all the gifts from the 60+ people in attendance.
I met up with Jon and Ellie at home around 4:30. We didn't have much down time before heading to church again for the six o'clock prayer meeting. We prayed for our children's ministries. Ellie had the opportunity to hang out with Clark and Aunt Kelly in the nursery. Kelly said that she behaved and enjoyed watching all the older kids bustle about.
Following church Jon and I came home and scrounged up some leftovers for dinner. Then we watched an episode of White Collar, the TV show Donna gave me for my birthday.

Monday morning I went to the gym and Ellie hung out with Grandpa and Grandma. I put her down for a nap then ran to Walmart for a few groceries. Kelly and Clark arrived at Grandma's while we were gone and we hung out until lunch time. Clark always wants to sit in the walker when Ellie's not in there but she hogged it most of the time she was awake. Mimi also joined us for lunch and we had chicken noodle soup, grilled cheese, applesauce, and shoofly pie.
We headed home around 1:00 but stopped at Mimi's house since we wanted to see some MOB dresses and a potential wedding dress for Corinne. I tried on the dress and we sent a video and several pictures to the bride. Mom showed off her potential MOB dresses and I sent pictures around to the sisters and we took a vote. Then we went home.
I picked up the kitchen and living room before my 2:00 lesson. I listened to my messages on the answering machine and the mom of the students had called and said they were not able to come. Not a problem! Ellie woke up from her nap wailing at 2:30 which would have been in the middle of my lessons so I was grateful to be able to give her my full attention.
My last lesson came from 5:00-5:30. Ellie hung out with Brenda while I taught. Jon arrived after the lesson ended and he split wood until he became hungry. We had a simple dinner of hot dogs on the grill with fruit since I was feeling a bit lazy. Plus Ellie hadn't been sleeping well all day and had only taken two thirty minute naps. What a goof. After Ellie went to sleep Jon and I watched the Amazing Race then went to bed. As you can tell, Jon and I don't really play games. Instead we watch our TV shows. At least for now.

Ellieisms:
Ellie's third tooth popped through on Sunday. Her fourth one is right around the corner!
Ellie sits very confidently. She only falls over when she is reaching for a toy that is too far away. I forgot this happens when I set her on the kitchen floor and she fell over and hit her head when reaching for the cabinet. Fortunately she didn't get a black and blue mark.

Sorry, no pictures today.

A 5K

Saturday morning we woke up early because I signed up to run in a 5K along with the other women from our small group. In order to make it to New Holland by 8:00 we woke up at 6:30. The weather was chilly with a bit of wind so we bundled Ellie up and sat in the car until we had to go down to the starting line.
Five women and one man from our small group ran the 5K. It was Nelah, Joie, Nebin, Sarah, Paul (Sarah's husband), and me. I have never run that long so I was thankful when I made it without stopping, even if I came in 270th out of 335. Fortunately I wasn't dead last. Shortly after mile marker two a mennonite girl in a dress and head covering passed me. A number of Amish and Mennonite were participating. I made it in 35 minutes. Granted, we started at the back of the pack so we feel as though that added a bit of time onto our end time. We should have elbowed our way to the front of the line.
Following the 5K they held a 1/2 mile fun run for the kids. The children old enough in our small group (Ellie was the only one too young) all ran and it was fun to watch. Afterwards we celebrated with a brunch at the Culbert's house in Churchtown.
After brunch Jon dropped me off at Cutter's and I got a haircut while Jon picked up a chainsaw and changed Ellie's diaper at his parents' house. He picked me up thirty minutes later and we went home. I put Ellie down for a nap while Jon went out with Ryan Frey to cut down a few trees on the Clogston's property. While Ellie napped I started mowing the lawn but she woke up. After she became more cheerful I put her in the exersaucer by the window but she only last seven or eights swipes up the yard before I decided it wasn't worth it.
Since we had not purchased a sports coat for Jon Friday evening we decided to go out Saturday night and try again. We stopped by Boscov's first and found a reasonably priced coat that we ended up buying for Jon. We also grabbed a new polo and short sleeved button-up since I just donated five old shirts that he has owned for probably fifteen years.
Jon needed some things at Home Depot so he ran in while I nursed Ellie. If your car is locked, do not attempt to exit the car. The alarm will go off. Fortunately I had my set of keys in the diaper bag so I could turn off the alarm myself.
We went to On the Border to eat dinner but it was 8:15 and the wait was thirty minutes. Not worth it. Instead we stopped at Chipotle's and split a bag of chips and a burrito. Ellie was very entertained watching people walk by and she even ate a black bean or two. We came home and went to bed after I finished up the face of Ellie's quilt and Jon sent some emails.

Ellieisms:
Ellie must be cutting her two teeth. I see little indentions where they'll come out and it's lighter under there.

The girls

Plus Paul

The crowd. Check the Amish kid & his watch. I'm sure he beat me.

Ellie cheering

Racing to the finish. Don't you feel like you were there?

Kisses for the competitor

So happy 

Alex asked to hold Ellie.

Kids getting ready for the fun run

Jordan Culbert is 3 1/2 (In the red)

Shoo Fly Pie & Date Night

Thursday morning Jon left for work at 5:30. Ellie missed the sleeping-in memo and woke up at 6:30. I brought her into the bedroom and she lounged on Jon's side of the bed for about thirty minutes before complaining. Although it was early I fed her breakfast and we headed out to Grandma's house at 8:30.
We arrived in time for Ellie to spend some time with Grandpa before he went out golfing. When the weather is nice Grandpa goes golfing with some of his friends on Thursday mornings. Grandma had me over to show me how to make shoofly pie. I thought it would be a bit more complicated...it's quite simple. I have Grandma's recipe for those who are interested.

Spoiled Ellie

Kelly, Clark, and Mimi joined us at Grandma's house for lunch around noon. Clark sat in the highchair and Ellie cruised in the walker (well, she would move an inch or so every few minutes from accidently kicking the floor). After lunch Clark hung out near Ellie and even shook her hand. I high-five Clark and then shake his hand and greet him. Kelly and I tried to get him to high-five Ellie but he would just look quizzically at her floppy fingers since that obviously is not the appropriate high-five hand posture. Later I saw him trying to grab her little hand and shake it.

Going in for a shake

I say smile. This is their response.

We love Grandma's house!

Fell asleep on the way home

When Ellie was ready for her afternoon nap we headed home and I put her down. I cleaned up the house a bit then had a piano lesson at 3:00. Ellie woke up at the tail end of the lesson and hung out on my lap until they left. Although Jon had gone into work super early he still had to work a bit later than normal and came home around 6:15. We had spaghetti for dinner then watched an episode of White Collar.
Friday morning Kelly and I had set up to go pillow shopping for her birthday. I told her I would get her a pillow for her couch or make her one. We went to Target first and found a great pillow option. We bought it and then checked out T.J. Maxx. No other pillows fit the bill but Kelly found a few other items and I bought a decorative porcelain bird. Mom called when we were in Target and told us to come over for lunch. So we headed to Elverson after shopping.
When I walked in the door she told me that Corinne had posted a new video. After seeing the first five seconds I asked if it was a joke. Mom said she didn't think so. Ha. Anyway, if you want to view the video you can see it here. I think I've watched it eight times. Ha. I am honored to have been asked to be her maid of honor. I am very excited! Let the planning begin!!
Mom made us a delicious lunch and we hung around until Clark was too tired to function. Kelly and I had carpooled so she dropped me off at home. Since Jon had worked twelve hours yesterday he came home at 3:30. I jumped in the shower and then he spent some time chopping wood before we left for our date night.
Around five o'clock we dropped Ellie off at Mimi and Pop's house and she hung out there while Jon and I went out. We stopped at Produce Junction and I bought two plants then ducked into a tile and carpet shop next door to see more options for the laundry room. Next we went to Joseph A. Banks. Jon has been needed a sports coat because every time he serves communion the dress code involves one. The options were pricey so we didn't purchase one but kept the options in mind. Our last stop before dinner was Joann's Fabrics for quilting supplies.
Initially I wanted to eat at P.F. Changs but they didn't have a location in the Exton/Downingtown area. We looked into a few options from Caleb but when push came to shove we drove by a Texas Roadhouse and Jon started drooling so we pulled in. A thunderstorm came while we were eating and Jon ended up driving home in a torrential downpour. It was pretty bad.
We picked up Ellie who was watching "Say Yes to the Dress" with Mimi. The storm had woken her up so she was just hanging out until we came back. We went home, put Ellie to bed, and went to sleep ourselves since it was pushing eleven o'clock and I had a race in the morning.

Ellieisms:
Ellie looks at Clark and talks to him. Clark then looks at me and talks to me. Nobody understands either of them.

A New Car Seat

Tuesday morning Ellie and I laid low. We did the dishes, picked up here and there, and did some online shopping. After lunch Ellie took a nap and woke up in time to head out for teaching my piano lessons. I had three in a row in Elverson. Aunt Carol Hoke watched Ellie during Abby's and then I dropped her off at Grandma and Grandpa's for the second two. They said she was great and enjoyed hanging out in their walker with the toys on the tray.
I hung around for fifteen minutes after Grandma told me she had some extra fried potatoes I could take home for dinner. I will never turn down Grandma's fried potatoes!
Jon was home when we arrived so we ate dinner before Jon left for his mission's committee meeting. His meeting went until 11:30 so I kept busy watching a movie, cleaning the kitchen, and sewing the quilt. I will be able to actually quilt the thing when I grab a little more white fabric since I did some miss-cutting. Oops.

The quilt - I just need 5" strips up the sides and
the face will be complete.

Today Ellie and I were late to Precepts because Jon had a man come to check out our fireplace for the wood stove insert. Well, we weren't late because he set it up but because the man arrived early. I was loading the car when he drove up so I took him down to the basement and he made his measurements then waited for Jon outside since I had to run.
I told the nursery workers to come get me if they couldn't put Ellie down for a nap. Well, it didn't really work out because they didn't get me or put Ellie to sleep so when I picked her up her eyes were all red and puffy. I drove home and she had already fallen asleep so I grabbed my wallet and headed to the Flower and Craft Warehouse. She woke up when we were almost there and remained happy while I spent an hour moseying around. I bought a few things for fall, Christmas, and my fireplace mantle. It was fun.
Ellie fell asleep again on our way home so when we got home she ate and I put her down for a real nap. It worked out really well because she slept for two hours, I think. I continued quilting and vacuumed the house and picked up the living room. My afternoon piano lessons had cancelled so I only had my 6:00 lesson. Jon came home at 5:30 and we ate. My student came so Jon took Ellie outside and installed her new car seat. Jon is thrilled about it. It's a Chicco Nextfit (view it here) and apparently is the "best car seat out there." It was a gift from the company (Thank you, Kenny). As we sat down for the lesson some girls from the High Point youth group (I knew a few) stopped in and asked for something "bigger or better" than a pen. I gave them the extra food chopper thing I had received for my wedding (I had been given two) and I just saw on Facebook that they ended up with a twin bed and mattress. I wonder what they do with what they bring back.

Jon left for his prayer group after reading Ellie her Bible story and I went to Elverson for a run. Well, I tried to go for a run and failed. Mimi watched Ellie while I attempted to exercise. I have a 5K coming up on Saturday and I really felt my lack of physical exercise these past two weeks. Saturday may be painful.
When we came home Ellie went to bed and then Jon and I watched the latest episode of the Amazing Race. Now he's in bed because he is going into work early due to a project that needs to be sent somewhere or whatnot.
Update: the refrigerator was making weird sounds so I called Jon and he had to take everything out of the freezer, defrost some ice that had frozen near a fan, clean up the water, and restock the freezer. Apparently I saved us from having to buy a new part that would have broken. Jon saved me from having to clean out the freezer later this year. Thanks, Jon.

Ellieisms:

Ellie moves more in her crib when she is sleeping. Maybe she'll be moving more when she's awake, soon!

Exhibit A: she starts out laying on her belly with her head towards the top of the crib.

Ellie was particularly chatty today. And also whiney. She hasn't noticed when I leave her at Mimi's or nursery but she doesn't like me leaving her in the house. Maybe it's timing (tired or rested) so we'll see if it becomes worse. 

I think Ellie is teething. At least it would be nice to have a reason for her crankier state. 

Speaking of crankier state, Ellie has had a really hard time with her BMs. Poor girl is clogged up. 

When I was unloading my camera I found some pictures from last week: 

photo bomb!

As soon as Ellie was out, Jay was in.
Considering he hated this seat as a babe he seems to like it now... 

All three feeding Ellie (Jay wasn't half bad)

Cousins

Cousins in footsies

Posing

Going down hill

From our trip to the park

Eating a bagel

Our Weekend

Saturday morning Jon left early (around 7:15) and ran to Lowe's before heading to his parents' house for breakfast and chopping down trees. Ellie must have known something was happening because she woke up at 7:30. Since she was ready to start the day I called Jon and asked if we could stop in and see everyone since I didn't really feel the desire to clean the house yet. He said come one over.
Pop-pop (Doug) had made pancakes and bacon for breakfast and set some aside for when I came. Pancakes are my favorite!

Tio Omar showing Ellie the woodpile

Nanna was off at a children's consignment sale looking for a new high chair for Ellie and any future grandchildren to use and Great-Grandma Mountz was still snoozing. We decided to hang around so they could see Ellie so I worked on my Precepts. Nana came home and Ellie broke in the new high chair. She gives it two thumbs up!

Lunch with Pop-pop

I put Ellie down for a nap and Nana said I could run some errands so I did just that. I came back almost an hour later and we were invited to stay for lunch. Great Grandma joined us and Ellie woke up shortly before we ate.

Ellie & Great Grandma

After lunch Jon continued cutting wood with the help of Ryan Frey. I went home and cleaned up the house and started preparing for our company. Jon came and helped me out since Ellie was acting a bit needy and would cry every time I put her down or, once she was content in a spot, when I left the room.
The Hanna's came at five o'clock for dinner. We had mashed potatoes, grilled pork chops, asparagus, and rolls. AmyBeth brought dessert: brownies and strawberries. They have a two year old daughter and a son two months younger than Ellie. They hung around until 9:30 before heading out. Jon and I worked together and had the dishes done in no time.

Sunday morning Jon spoiled me once again and made breakfast and got Ellie ready for church. I had second service "hall monitor" which basically means I sit in the hall and make sure nothing happens. Nothing does. We came home for lunch and Jon went and played soccer at 2:00. Ellie proceeded to take a three hour nap during which I worked on her quilt. I am probably halfway done at this point.
We went to prayer meeting at 6:00 and only one nursery worker showed up so I helped out. Only three kids were in there: Ellie, Clark, and Wyeth Estes. It was nice to hang out with the three of them and Mrs. Renninger.

Monday morning I went back to the gym after two weeks of missing my workouts due to the Brusts being in town, Ellie being sick, and then finally I was feeling a bit under the weather. It felt good to be back! Grandpa and Grandma watched Ellie and put her down for her nap for the first time. Since Ellie was sleeping I ran to Walmart for a few staples we had just finished: orange juice, creamer, bread, and bananas. I returned and Kelly and Clark arrived shortly after and Grandma made us all lunch. We stayed for a bit and Ellie and Clark showed off their moves.

Eating some of Grandma's applesauce

Ellie graciously took a monster nap over my two afternoon piano lessons and also left me some time to work on the quilt again. I then taught my third lesson from 5:00-5:30 and Jon came home afterwards.
We had a quick dinner and I put Ellie down for a nap while Jon chopped some wood. At 7:00 I headed over to the craft night at church and spent some time "crafting" with Mimi and a few other women from church. I came home around 9:30 and Jon had been working on prepping the fireplace. He has the intention of ordering a new wood-stove insert. If we use that to help heat the house in the winter time we could cut back tremendously on our oil use. That's what Jon says and he is very excited about the purchase. I'll have to post pictures once it comes. After he showed me what he had done and how big the insert will look we went to bed.

Ellieisms:
I forgot to fill in Ellie's stats last post! I'll fix that and also list them here:
Weight: 16lb 2oz (11%)
Height: 25 3/4" (28.8%)
Head circumference: 18"